Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 4:1, where we read these words:
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart."This chapter (of 2 Cor. 4), is amazing. Any believer who has been through really hard times can gain great comfort and strength from it. Here, in v. 1, Paul edifies himself with the reminder of what God had done in him (in the past)—with an encouraging assurance of what He will continue to do through him (in the future).
If we have "received mercy" from God, in the blood atonement of Jesus--by grace through faith alone, plus nothing—THEN, but only then, do we have no reason to "lose heart." If the Lord has been *that* good to us, then why should we imagine that He will come up short on any other need or issue that we will face, (cf. Rom. 8:32)? Let us wholeheartedly trust Christ today.
[Puritan quote of the day: "It is not so much the sins we have committed that so provoke and grieve Christ as that we refuse the medicine of repentance which He prescribes.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]
